The Latitudinal Gradient Project (LGP, http://www.lgp.aq/) is aimed at increasing our understanding of the complex marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems that exist along the Victoria Land coast of the Ross Sea region, and using this understanding to determine the effects of environmental change on these ecosystems. Five sites have been chosen for study. Sites studied to date are:Cape Hallett, northern Victoria Land (2003-2006); Terra Nova Bay (2006-2008); Darwin Glacier region (2006-2009). Future proposed sites ar Granite Harbour and the Beardmore Glacier region. This is a multidisciplinary project involving New Zealand, U.S. and Italian research groups.